The Port Jefferson to Wading River “Rails to Trails” project is back on track and scheduled for completion, Rep. Lee Zeldin announced at a press conference yesterday in Miller Place.
The 10-mile, $9.51 million project will convert long-abandoned LIRR tracks to a bicycle and walking trail. In discussion since 2001, the trail will be 80 percent funded with federal money and 20 percent with a county match.
The Rails to Trails program was authorized by the National Trails Act, passed by Congress in 1983 allowing the preservation of decommissioned railroad tracks for the creation of recreational trails for bicycling and hiking, and allowing railroads to donate or sell unprofitable rail lines for the purpose of preservation to local governments or nonprofits for the creation of a trail. Since the law was passed, there have been more than 21,000 miles of rail-to-trails conversions.
“Long Island’s trails are an important part of our local community and economy – connecting our residents and visitors to our beaches, parks, local farms, festivals, wineries, restaurants, and other destinations, while providing an option of healthy recreational activity and transportation as well,” Zeldin said. “In Congress, I have been working as part of a bipartisan coalition with various levels of government to protect our parks and expand our growing network of trails here on Long Island through the Rails to Trails program and other efforts,” he said.
Sen. Ken LaValle, who secured $2 million for the project at its inception, said he was happy it will finally come to fruition. “When it’s completed, all of the communities from Port Jefferson to Wading River will enjoy the trail and make good use of it for years to come,” LaValle said.
“The Port Jefferson-Setauket Greenway Trail has proven to be extremely popular since it was opened,” Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “and this new trail will be a wonderful extension of this recreational facility for our residents.” It will provide “a scenic and safe place for our families to walk, run or ride their bicycles.”
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